1 - Head and Neck Flashcards
What is a common symptom of a severe headache that may indicate the need for medical attention?
Headaches that are frequent or intense, especially if new-onset
New-onset headaches can signify serious underlying issues, especially in individuals over fifty or those with immune compromise.
What type of headache is characterized by a band-like sensation around the skull?
Tension headache
Tension headaches are the most common and least dangerous type of headache, often triggered by stress.
What is the recommended over-the-counter medication for tension headaches?
Acetaminophen / Tylenol or ibuprofen / Advil / Motrin
These medications can relieve pain from tension headaches.
What might a headache accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light indicate?
Migraine
Migraines are often unilateral and can be triggered by various factors such as stress or certain foods.
True or False: Migraines are more common in men than in women.
False
Migraines are more common in women and typically start in their twenties or thirties.
What condition is characterized by severe, periodic headaches that can cause eye redness and nasal congestion?
Cluster headache
Cluster headaches are extremely painful and can occur multiple times a day.
What is temporal arteritis?
A condition where arteries on the side of the face become diseased and narrowed
Symptoms include headache, scalp tenderness, and jaw fatigue, and it can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated.
What symptoms might indicate a stroke?
Slurred speech, weakness, or numbness in an arm, leg, or side of the face
‘Time is brain’ emphasizes the urgency of seeking medical help during a stroke.
What are thunderclap headaches?
Headaches that come on suddenly and intensely
They may indicate serious issues like bleeding in the brain and require urgent medical attention.
What should you do if you experience a severe headache after using cocaine or methamphetamine?
Get to a hospital right away
These drugs significantly increase the risk of stroke and brain bleeding.
Fill in the blank: Chronic fatigue is defined as feeling tired for longer than ______.
six months
Chronic fatigue can stem from various underlying medical conditions.
What common lifestyle factor can lead to chronic fatigue?
Inadequate sleep
Some individuals require more sleep than others to function optimally.
What dietary change can cause fatigue?
Starting an extreme diet or eliminating a major food group
Insufficient calorie intake can deplete energy levels.
What is a recommended physical activity to combat low energy levels?
At least thirty minutes of fast walking or jogging most days
Regular physical activity can help increase energy and reduce feelings of fatigue.
True or False: Alcohol is a good long-term solution for improving sleep quality.
False
Alcohol may initially help with sleep but leads to disruptions later in the night.
What is the recommended duration of physical activity for better sleep?
At least thirty minutes of fast walking or jogging most days
Ideally more than five times per week.
How does alcohol affect sleep?
Helps fall asleep quickly but causes waking as its effect wears off
Increases urine production, leading to dehydration and frequent bathroom trips.
What should you be cautious about when taking sleeping pills?
Taking them too late can cause lingering effects the next morning
Should be taken when first getting into bed, at least eight hours before waking.
Which types of medications can cause fatigue?
Antihistamines, pain relievers, antianxiety/antidepressants, beta blockers
Consult your doctor before making any changes to medication.
What are some symptoms of depression that can affect energy levels?
Generalized fatigue, irritability, loss of interest, difficulty concentrating
Changes in appetite or weight, loss of sex drive, sleep problems.
What is sleep apnea?
A condition where the throat closes during sleep, causing loud snoring and apnea
Can lead to excessive tiredness and requires a sleep study for diagnosis.
What is chronic fatigue syndrome/systemic exertion intolerance disease (CFS/SEID)?
A condition characterized by severe fatigue lasting more than six months
Fatigue worsens after exertion and doesn’t improve with sleep.
What symptoms indicate hypothyroidism?
Weight gain, constipation, feeling cold
Diagnosed through blood tests; treatment often involves thyroid hormone supplements.
What is a common cause of anemia?
Not enough red blood cells
Can be diagnosed with a blood test; colonoscopy may be needed to find the cause.
What are signs of diabetes?
Frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue
Occurs when the body cannot process sugar properly, leading to dehydration.
What symptoms may indicate a serious infection?
Recurrent fever, weight loss, night sweats
Common infections include heart infections, HIV, tuberculosis, and certain cancers.
What are signs of kidney failure?
Anemia, poor appetite, fluid in lungs, swelling in face or legs
Worsening fatigue may indicate a need for medication adjustment or dialysis.
What causes jaundice?
Liver disease leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes
Can cause confusion, fatigue, and may progress to coma.
What is insomnia?
Impaired daytime functioning due to difficulty falling or staying asleep
Can also include waking up too early and not being able to fall back asleep.
What are signs you may need more sleep?
Drifting off during the day, difficulty focusing, irritability
Other signs include forgetfulness and feelings of anxiety or depression.
What is good sleep hygiene?
An environment that promotes sleep, such as a comfortable, dark, and quiet bedroom
Avoid screens and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
What should you avoid before bedtime to improve sleep?
Caffeinated beverages and heavy meals
Should eat at least three hours before bedtime to prevent discomfort.
What should you do if you can’t fall asleep?
Leave the bedroom and do something relaxing until sleepy
This reinforces that bed is for sleeping, not for worrying or being awake.
What age group is most affected by sleep dysfunction?
Adults over the age of sixty-five
Common issues include overactive bladder, chronic pain, and dementia.
Which medications can interfere with sleep?
Blood pressure medications, decongestants, stimulants, SSRIs
Stopping these medications may also cause insomnia as a withdrawal symptom.
What are the types of medications that can cause insomnia?
- Decongestants (phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine)
- Stimulants (methylphenidate/Ritalin)
- Steroids (prednisone, hydrocortisone)
- SSRIs (fluoxetine/Prozac, escitalopram/Lexapro, citalopram/Celexa, sertraline/Zoloft)
Stopping these medications may briefly cause withdrawal symptoms, including insomnia.
What is a major cause of early awakenings?
Depression
Coupled with low mood, poor concentration, and a change in appetite/weight, it’s important to consult a doctor.
What hormonal changes during menopause can affect sleep?
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Distorted sleep cycle
Over one-third of women experience difficulty sleeping during menopause.
What condition is characterized by an inexplicable urge to move your legs?
Restless legs syndrome
It may improve with movement and can be related to other conditions like iron deficiency or pregnancy.
What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) used for?
To treat insomnia by training the brain to avoid stress and relax
It is a longer-term solution without side effects compared to sleep medications.
What over-the-counter medications contain diphenhydramine?
- Benadryl
- Tylenol PM
- Advil PM
- Simply Sleep
Diphenhydramine is primarily an allergy medication but also causes drowsiness.
What is melatonin and its intended use?
A chemical produced in the brain to regulate the sleep–wake cycle
In pill form, it might help reset the clock after a time zone change.
What are benzodiazepines used for?
To help fall asleep and reduce anxiety
Examples include temazepam, clonazepam, and lorazepam, but they can be habit-forming.
What is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)?
A condition caused by little rocks in the labyrinths sending confusing signals to the brain
It can be tested by sudden head movements during a doctor’s examination.
What symptoms indicate Ménière’s disease?
- Fullness in the ears
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Hearing loss
Symptoms may worsen with stress, smoking, and high-salt foods.
What condition may cause dizziness and unsteadiness with urinary urgency?
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
Symptoms include short shuffling steps and mental slowing.
What should you do if you experience continuous vertigo for more than a few minutes?
Seek urgent medical help
Continuous vertigo could indicate a stroke or bleeding in the brain.
What might cause lightheadedness during exercise for individuals over fifty?
Possible heart problems like aortic stenosis or severe arterial blockages
It is important to consult a doctor for a heart ultrasound and stress test.
Fill in the blank: The sensation of feeling woozy and about to pass out is more accurately referred to as _______.
lightheadedness
Fill in the blank: Vertigo occurs when the labyrinths, the body’s main organs for sensing head position, go _______.
haywire
True or False: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is intended for long-term use.
False
CBT is a longer-term, effective solution without the side effects of medication.
What is vestibular neuritis?
A condition that occurs when a viral infection irritates the nerve connecting the labyrinths to the brain, often improving on its own after a few days.
What happens when your heart experiences an abnormal, rapid rhythm?
It prevents effective pumping of blood, causing blood pressure to drop and resulting in lightheadedness.
What should you do if you feel lightheaded after significant blood loss?
Get urgent help, as you may need a transfusion.
What is sepsis?
A condition that occurs when the body has an intense immune response to an infection, resulting in a drop in blood pressure and lightheadedness.
What are common signs of dementia?
- Inability to recall names or identities
- Difficulty identifying location
- Inability to complete multistep tasks
What is dementia?
A progressive decline in memory that interferes with overall quality of life, resulting from an underlying disease.
What is the most common underlying disease associated with dementia?
Alzheimer’s disease.
What are the main risk factors for dementia?
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- High cholesterol levels
- Chronic alcohol use
What common lifestyle changes can help delay the onset of dementia?
Staying physically active and keeping your mind sharp.
What can inadequate sleep lead to?
Forgetfulness, poor concentration, irritability, depression, and anxiety.
How can stress affect memory?
It can distract the brain, preventing proper attention to the outside world.
What is Korsakoff syndrome?
A condition resulting from long-term alcoholism, characterized by confabulation.
What happens to memory with age?
Mild loss of short-term memory and difficulty processing new information may occur, but long-term memory is usually spared.
What symptoms may indicate a thyroid problem?
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Memory loss
What is chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)?
A condition resulting from repeated blows to the head, causing irreversible dementia along with other symptoms.
What should you do if you experience rapid onset memory loss and personality change?
Get to the E.R. for an urgent assessment.
What are common symptoms of a concussion?
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Memory loss
What is post-concussion syndrome?
A condition causing symptoms like headaches and irritability for days or weeks after a concussion.
What should prompt an urgent medical evaluation after a head injury?
- Seizure
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Not waking up
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Excessive fatigue
- Vomiting
What is a sign that you might need a brain scan after a head injury?
New-onset weakness or numbness.
What condition can advanced syphilis cause?
Memory loss, mood disorders, and tremors.
What is the recommended treatment for syphilis infection?
Antibiotics.
What lifestyle factors can improve brain function?
- Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Minimizing red meat and added sugar
- Exercising often
- Remaining socially active
True or False: There is convincing evidence that specific brain exercises prevent dementia.
False.
What is a common consequence of smoking on memory?
It causes blockages in blood vessels that supply oxygen to the brain, leading to memory issues.
What should you do if you experience worsening headaches or nausea after a head injury?
Seek urgent medical evaluation.
What can happen if blood accumulates in the closed space of the skull?
It can cause headaches, nausea, and potential loss of key brain functions.
What is the significance of amnesia after a head injury?
It indicates a need for medical evaluation, especially if severe.
What is the general advice following a minor head injury?
Have someone watch for signs of deterioration.
What is the role of the thyroid gland?
It helps regulate metabolism.
What is the first step if you think you have dementia?
Undertake a complete dementia workup with your physician.
What can cause red or painful eyes?
Common causes include:
* Dry eyes
* Allergies
* Eye strain
* Contact lens overuse
* Acute glaucoma
What is the pupil’s function in response to darkness?
The pupil gets bigger to let in more light
What is the iris?
The band of color surrounding the pupil
What is the sclera?
The white surface surrounding the iris
What is conjunctiva?
A thin layer overlying the sclera and the inside lining of the eyelids
What should you do if you have eye strain from prolonged focus?
Give your eyes a break every thirty minutes by looking at distant objects
What can reduce dry eyes during computer use?
Use over-the-counter artificial tears two or three times per day
Fill in the blank: The common cold can cause red, puffy eyes due to _______.
[thick mucus pressing against blood vessels]
What is allergic conjunctivitis?
It occurs when allergies irritate the conjunctiva, causing red, itchy, watery eyes
What should you avoid doing if you have a stye?
Do not pop it
What is subconjunctival hemorrhage?
Blood under the conjunctiva caused by a burst vessel
What causes dark circles under the eyes?
Enlarged veins near the skin surface due to fatigue, allergies, or genetics
What is CLIDE?
Contact lens-induced dry eye
What can irritate your eyes when smoking?
Toxic fumes from cigarettes and other recreational substances
What is dry eye syndrome?
A condition characterized by dryness, redness, itchiness, and sensitivity to light
What can cause conjunctivitis?
Bacterial infection, viral infection, or allergic irritation
What should you do if you have severe eye pain?
See an eye doctor before the end of the day
What is acute glaucoma?
A condition with rapid increase in pressure inside the eye requiring urgent treatment
What is orbital cellulitis?
A serious bacterial infection around the eye that may require antibiotics or surgery
What is a common sign of shingles near the eye?
Headache, eye pain, and a blistering rash
What are the three main sections of the ear?
External ear, middle ear, inner ear
What causes frequent ear popping?
Pressure differences in the middle ear, often due to Eustachian tube blockage
What can help unblock Eustachian tubes?
Decongestants and anti-inflammatory medications
What can tooth and jaw pain indicate regarding ear pain?
You may be grinding your teeth at night
What is the recommended duration for using Afrin?
Only for a day or two.
More than that can make it hard to wean off.
What might cause tooth and jaw pain that spreads to the ear?
Grinding teeth at night.
Consider sleeping with a mouth guard.
What condition may cause frequent jaw popping or cracking?
Temporomandibular joint disease.
This is a misalignment in the joint connecting the jaw to the skull.
What are common symptoms of earwax accumulation?
- Ear fullness
- Hearing loss
- Itchiness
- Ringing in the ear
- Cough
Cough occurs due to stimulation of the ear canal.
What should you avoid using to clean your ears to prevent wax blockage?
Cotton swabs.
They can push wax deeper into the ear.
What is otitis externa?
Infection of the outer ear canal.
Common in swimmers due to constant wetness.
What are the symptoms of a middle ear infection (otitis media)?
- Fever
- Intense ear pain
- Hearing loss
Usually starts in the throat or nose/sinuses.
What is presbycusis?
Age-related hearing loss.
It can be exacerbated by exposure to loud noises and certain medications.
What is tinnitus?
Perception of buzzing or ringing in the ears.
Can result from exposure to loud noises or occur without a clear reason.
Which medications can cause hearing loss?
- Aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin, neomycin)
- Chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin, fluorouracil, nitrogen mustard, bleomycin)
- Erythromycin
- Tetracycline
- Furosemide
- Chloroquine
- Quinine
- High-dose aspirin
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen taken frequently
Consult a doctor before stopping any medications.
What symptoms indicate Ménière’s disease?
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus
- Frequent episodes of vertigo
It usually affects people between the ages of twenty and forty.
What should you do if you have sudden loss of hearing or severe ear pain?
Seek prompt evaluation.
This may indicate an inner ear infection or ruptured eardrum.
What can happen if an ear infection spreads into the skull?
It can cause meningitis or a blood clot.
Symptoms may include headache and confusion.
What is the most common cause of neck lumps?
Upper respiratory tract infection.
These lumps are usually swollen lymph nodes reacting to infection.
What is a thyroglossal duct cyst?
A round structure in the neck that moves with the tongue.
It usually needs to be removed if infected.
What does an enlarged thyroid indicate?
It can indicate a goiter or a thyroid nodule.
It may require blood tests and neck ultrasound.
What are the symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) in the neck?
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Chronic cough
TB can primarily infect lymph nodes in the neck.
What indicates a possible HIV infection?
Tender enlarged lymph nodes with flu-like symptoms.
Risk factors include unprotected sex or intravenous drug use.
What does a rock-hard lump in the neck suggest?
It is likely cancer.
Risk factors include smoking and heavy drinking.
What should you do if you have recurrent high fevers and a large lump?
See a doctor for evaluation.
It could indicate a bacterial infection or a serious viral infection.
What should you do if you have recurrent high fevers and a particularly large lump?
Notify your oncologist for urgent testing to determine if your cancer is progressing.
What is the medical term for a sore throat?
Pharyngitis.
What are the common causes of sore throat?
Viral infections, bacterial infections (like strep throat), environmental irritants.
What treatments can provide relief for sore throat symptoms?
- Menthol-containing lozenges
- Benzocaine lozenges or sprays.
What should you do if you experience a muffled voice or difficulty swallowing?
Get an emergency evaluation to identify the cause.
True or False: The flu vaccine can cause the flu.
FALSE.
Why is it important to get a new flu shot every year?
The flu virus mutates and evolves between seasons.
Can you still get the flu after receiving the flu vaccine?
TRUE.
Should pregnant women get the flu vaccine?
Yes, it’s essential for their protection and that of their babies.
What should you do if you have white patches on your tonsils?
You may have strep throat; your doctor can perform a rapid strep test.
What does the presence of white patches all over your mouth and throat indicate?
You may have a fungal infection known as thrush.
What are common symptoms of the flu?
- Fever
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Cough.
What can happen if you have severe throat pain along with fever and difficulty swallowing?
You could have an abscess around one of your tonsils.
What symptoms indicate a severe bacterial infection that has spread to your bloodstream?
- High fever
- Rapid heartbeat
- Feeling lightheaded.
Fill in the blank: The best relief for a sore throat comes from addressing the _______.
underlying problem.
What should you do if your lump grows rapidly or lasts more than two weeks?
Get further evaluation with a neck scan.
What is a sign of acid reflux disease?
A bitter taste in your throat and/or burning in your chest.
What are some airborne irritants that can irritate your throat?
- Cigarette smoke
- Pollen
- Animal dander
- Household cleaners.
What should you do if you think you’re coming down with the flu?
Consult your doctor for possible antiviral medication.
If you have a history of severe reactions to eggs, how should you get the flu vaccine?
In a doctor’s office, not a pharmacy.
What is a common symptom of mononucleosis?
Fever, fatigue, sore throat, and swollen glands in your neck.
What indicates that you should go to the E.R. regarding a lump in the neck?
A visibly swollen, tender vein on one side of your neck.
